Acts 7 "Steven's Death, A Great Witness"

"Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." (vv.57-58) 

When Stephen declared that he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (v.56), it was too much. The Sanhedrin reacted quickly, violently, and together. For Stephen to suggest that the crucified Jesus stood in a position of authority at the right hand of God must have ranked as blasphemy in the thinking of those who knew that a crucified man died under the divine curse ("cursed is he who hangs on a tree"). Interestingly enough, Jesus stood before this same body of men and declared that He would sit at the right hand of God - they had the same reaction and sealed His death as a blasphemer (Matthew 26:64-66).

The reaction of the Sanhedrin seems extreme (they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord, ran at him, cast him out and stoned him), but is typical of those who reject God and are lost in spiritual insanity. They wailed in agony and covered their ears at the revelation of God, which they regarded as blasphemy. This out-of-control mob rushed at Stephen in order to kill him, which was done without regard for Roman law, but was performed according to traditional Jewish custom. 

Now Saul stood there as the supervisor of the operation. As a member of the Sanhedrin, he had also approved of Stephen’s execution. Saul fervently believed that Christians presented a menace and a threat to the religion which he had been trained in so thoroughly. This rabbi desired to prove his dedication to the traditions of his Jewish faith by becoming the chief persecutor of Christians. Yet God will eventually call Saul to become a powerful leader in the Christian faith. 

Stephen’s life ended in the same way it had been lived: In complete trust in God, believing that Jesus would take care of him in the life to come. Steven's last words, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (v.60) were used to touch the heart of a man who energetically agreed with his stoning – even though the man didn’t know the prayer would be later answered. 

Both in life and death, people around us will be watching to see how we as Christians handle our faith. Saul, who is specifically mentioned in attendance to Stephen’s death, became a living testimony to the effectiveness of prayer through his later conversion (9:17; 22:3-21). And Stephen, peacefully "fell asleep" while being stoned to death for speaking truth (v.60), demonstrating the Spirit's presence in his life which left a lasting impression on Saul.

Stephen is truly a model of great faith. Willing to testify of Christ and courageous to face persecution for the truth. When we get to heaven, we should thank Stephen for every blessing brought through the ministry of Saul of Tarsus. 

May our lives reflect the same courage to stand in the face of persecution when it comes.

The Truth: “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

Acts 6 “Full Of Faith And Power”

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. (vv.8-10)

Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people: God did great wonders and signs through the apostles; but also through others like Stephen, one of the servants chosen to help the widows. God used Stephen because he was full of faith and power.

Stephen debated with Jews from the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, he showed greater wisdom than his opponents (they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke). There is no indication that Stephen – in himself – was smarter, better educated, or a better debater than these Jews. We should attribute his upper hand in the debate to the Spirit by which he spoke.

In today’s chapter, Stephen was falsely accused before the Jewish court. The scene looks similar to the trial of Jesus recorded in Matthew 26, including false witnesses and a hostile crowd. When given the opportunity to defend himself, Stephen defended God's work of salvation throughout history. The accused became the accuser who charged his audience with rebellion against God, which was displayed most definitively through their rejection of Christ.

The crowd's violent response (that of stoning him to death) confirmed the allegation. Even in death, Stephen was full of God’s grace. Following the example of Jesus, Stephen’s final words were an intercession for his enemies (Acts 7:60).

As believers in Christ, the same Spirit indwells us, leading and empowering us to bear fruit of great faith and the ministry of the gospel. An excellent modern day example of great faith unto death was that of Charlie Kirk. Despite the many threats against his life he continued in his calling answering any and all questions from young people with the Spirit of Truth and power, leaving all those who questioned him amazed at his wisdom and logic. RIP Charlie.

The Truth: “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Acts 5 “Civil Disobedience”

“We (the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests) gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name! Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about Him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (v.28-29)

Civil disobedience was not uncommon in the Scriptures. The midwives in Egypt were commanded by the king to destroy all Jewish male children. They refused and God honored them (Ex.1:17). Against the King of Babylon’s command, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego did not bow their knees to the image of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:18). God blessed them and stood with them in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25). Daniel refused to stop praying three times a day, even though doing so was against the law. God honored him and saved him from the lion’s den (Daniel 6:10-22).

Here in chapter 5 we see another case of civil disobedience in the Bible. However regarding biblical civil disobedience, Jon Courson reminds us, “It must be carried out with scriptural authority and with humility.” In this chapter, the Angel of the Lord said to the apostles, “Go and speak in the temple” (v.20). In addition Jesus had told them (in Matthew), “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Matthew 28:19). Thus the disciples were following the Word of God but going against the orders of the high priest.

Even though God has placed men in positions of authority in order to maintain peace (Romans 13), if those authorities act contrary to Him, we must submit to God rather than man and take our lumps willingly. This the apostles did as they were beaten, commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let go (v.40-42)

Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most courageous leaders in recent American history, faced threats and opposition, eventually giving his life in the fight for civil rights. Fear, however, would not dissuade him. Being a minster of God, he knew civil disobedience must be carried out with humility and based in scripture. He was arrested over 30 times and took each arrest with humility while trusting God for his protection and dream. 

Trusting God in the face of risk requires us to see His protection over us even in the midst of danger.

The Truth: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) 

Acts 4 “Imprisoned For Preaching”

 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” (v.1-3)

Our text is a continuation of chapter 3 where we saw Peter (after healing 40-year-old man lame from birth) turn to the crowd and deliver a scolding message in Solomon’s Porch. His message that day accused all Israel of; delivering up Jesus to Pilate (v.13), denying Him (v.14), requesting a murderer be released (v.14), and consulting to the murder of Jesus whom God raised from the dead (v.15). Peter then went on to declare in chapter 3 that both he and John were witnesses to this and all Israel should repent of their sins (v.19).

Now here in chapter 4 we see the religious authorities (Sadducees) did not take kindly to this and threw them both in jail. The Sadducees were particularly offended in two ways. First by the teaching of the resurrection, which they denied and second by the fact that both Peter and John were, “lay people” instructing the masses who were clearly responding (v.4). After all, they (Sadducees) were the ones who acted on God’s behalf and spoke with His authority and could not imagine by what power or authority Peter and John were drawing from.

We should be encouraged by Peter and John's example. Being an effective witness does not require going to seminary! The most essential qualification for evangelism is available to every believer—reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Although a seminary degree is certainly appropriate for some ministries, God is more than happy to use “untrained” individuals with willing hearts.

The Truth: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

Acts 3 “Power In His Name”

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (v.6)

The crippled man who encountered Peter and John at the temple gate certainly didn’t do anything special to qualify for the miracle he received that day. He wasn’t even expecting much, just a coin or two. Instead, he was completely healed (v.16) and could walk for the first time in his life.

Since the beggar was a familiar sight around the temple, and since he was jumping around so excitedly, the healing created quite a scene. When Peter realized that the people were marveling at both he and John for what had been done, he immediately set them straight, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk” (v.13)?

Peter wasn’t looking for glory or to set up some healing ministry. He had only one message to deliver. Jesus of Nazareth, whom Israel had rejected and condemned, is God’s “Holy and Righteous One” (v.14) and in His name alone is the forgiveness of sins and the power to heal (v.16).

As Peter showed us here, the glory, honor and praise for any miracle bestowed belongs to the LORD, not to the instrument used. 

The Truth: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17) 

Acts 2 “True Fellowship”

 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (v.42)

Genuine Christian fellowship involves much more than visiting over a cup of coffee in the church courtyard. While this is all well and good, true fellowship is loving one another, caring for one another, praying for one another, bearing one another's burdens, encouraging, instructing, and even rebuking one another in love so as to restore such a one back into fellowship.

In his book, “Why Christians Sin” J. Kirk Johnston tells about a young Russian woman who, before the collapse of the Iron Curtain, was allowed to visit her relatives in Canada. She was a devout Christian, and her friends assumed that she would defect and seek asylum in Canada or the US because of the religious oppression in the USSR. But they were wrong. She wanted to go back to her homeland.

This Russian woman said that people in the West were too busy acquiring material things and not concerned enough about personal relationships (outside of what they could do for them). In her homeland, Christian fellowship was essential to their faith because it provided the support and encouragement they so desperately needed. 

We too should have this same attitude of true fellowship toward one another. Ministering to those around us with support and encouragement through; a word, a meal, a prayer, a room, or some other direct form of involvement. Just as Jesus came to serve and not be served, we too should look for those opportunities to show His love.  

The Truth “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." (1 Peter 4:10)

Acts 1 “The Promised Holy Spirit”

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (v.7-8a)

Here we have Jesus answering His disciples question concerning when He would restore the kingdom of Israel which was currently under Roman control. He does not give them a specific answer - no day or time, but stretches them to see that all events are under the loving control of God the Father. Meaning, there are some things we just will not know in this life. Therefore, we are to look to Him Who made all things and trust in His authority.

In the second part of our text, Jesus responds to their concerns (their prayer, actually), by promising them the power of the Holy Spirit. Having this inward comforter, they could “rest” in not needing to know everything and “know” that the power of His Spirit would be with them always. 

The same is true for us. To know the future is not precisely what we need. We need peace, rest, and the assurance that God is always with us. We can only find it in Him who holds the future in His hands. While answers to concerns are valuable and He often gives us such answers down the road, simply trusting in God and the comfort of His Spirit is infinitely better.

The Truth: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7)

John 21 “Restoration Of Peter”

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” (vv.18-19)

Here Jesus spoke of Peter’s past, reminding him of his younger days when he had less responsibility and could do (more or less) as he pleased. Most of us know what these younger years were like. Jesus also spoke of Peter’s future, when another would bind him (gird you) and carry Peter to a place he would not want to go – a place with stretched out hands, crucified on a cross. It would be by this death he would glorify God. 

Ancient writers have documented that, about thirty-four years after this, Peter was crucified; and that he deemed it so glorious a thing to die for Christ that he begged to be crucified with his head downwards, not considering himself worthy to die in the same posture in which his Lord did. 

After speaking to Peter about his death, Jesus gave these last words to him, "Follow Me." Peter had followed Christ, but not continuously in the past. Scripture tells in Johns’ gospel that Peter even denied knowing Jesus three times shortly after His arrest in the garden, and he even went back to his former occupation of fishing. However he was later restored by Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias and called to follow steadfastly in the ways of the Lord and to Feed His Sheep (vv.15-25).

We too, despite our pasted, are to keep following Jesus. The command ‘Follow me’ is a present imperative, which literally means Keep on following me. Even though we may have denied Christ in the past, He knows His children - His Spirit calls us to repentance, and to keep following Him, giving our attention to; His Word, His calling, exhorting and serving others, and exercising the gifts God has given us. Then in so doing we like Peter become restored in Christ. 

Therefore, do not believe the lie from satan that you are too far from God, that you can never be restored. Like Peter you too can be restored, simply follow Him. 

The Truth: "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:13-16)

John 20 “A Much Stronger Faith”

And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (vv.26-29)

After eight days: The idea here is that Jesus had an additional meeting with the disciples (now including Thomas) eight days after the first one. And again Jesus enters the room in the same mysterious and remarkable way in which He had before in verse 19 (the doors being shut, and stood in the midst). Jesus also gave the same greeting (Peace to you!). 

At this meeting Jesus grants Thomas the evidence he demanded in verse 25, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side." Jesus was not obligated to do this; He could have rightly demanded faith from Thomas on the basis of the reliable evidence from others. Yet in His mercy and kindness, Jesus gave Thomas what he asked for. 

Jesus then gives Thomas a command, "Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Jesus was generous and merciful to Thomas and his unbelief, but He did not praise his unbelief. Jesus wanted to move him from doubt and unbelief to faith. Because Thomas did not believe in the resurrected Jesus, Jesus considered him unbelieving. Thomas’ response was an immediate transition from declared unbelief (John 20:25) to radical belief (John 20:28). He addressed Jesus with titles of deity, calling Him Lord and God. It is also significant that Jesus accepted these titles, and did not tell Thomas, “Don’t call Me that.”

Peter later says to those who believed, “Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). 

The lesson here for us is, true faith comes from the reliance upon the Word of God, and not on the eyes of man. For trusting in what one sees is not trust at all, it requires no faith. But relying on God's Word, even when we can not see the outcome, is evidence of a much "stronger faith."

The Truth: But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” (Luke 5:5)

John 19 “Crucified For Speaking Truth”

"So he (Pilate) delivered Him (Jesus) to them (the chief priests) to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.” (John 19:16)

Jesus was brought before Pilate for publicity speaking about the Kingdom of God, calling sinners to repent, and calling Himself the Son of God. According to Roman Law, He had broken no statute and was innocent. Therefore Pilate, (not wanting to have innocent blood on his hands) delivered him to the chief priests for their doing. They took Jesus and led him away to be crucified .

Death by Roman crucifixion was a result of the whole body weight being supported by the stretched arms of the victim. When nailed to the cross, there was a massive strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders often resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints. The rib cage was constrained in a fixed position, which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath. The victim would continually try to draw himself up by his feet to allow for inflation of the lungs enduring terrible pain in his feet and legs. The pain in the feet and legs would become so unbearable, that the victim was forced to trade breathing for pain and eventually die of suffocation. The length of time required to die from crucifixion could range from hours to a number of days.

The punishment of Roman crucifixion was chiefly inflicted on slaves and the worst kind of criminals. Crucifixion was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die and condemned Roman citizens were usually exempt from crucifixion. The manner and process of crucifixion was that after the criminal had been scourged and sentence had been pronounced, he carried his cross to the place of execution, which was just outside the city. (John 19:17) The criminal was next stripped of his clothes and nailed or bound to the cross. Before the nailing to the cross took place, a medicated cup of vinegar mixed with gall and myrrh (the sopor) was given, for the purpose of deadening the pangs of the sufferer. (Mark 15:23)

Roman Crucifixion was typically carried out by specialized teams, consisting of a commanding centurion and four soldiers. It was common to leave the body on the cross after death. However, it sometimes became necessary to break the legs of the criminal (as mentioned of the thieves in the Gospels) because Jewish law expressly forbid bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath day. 

Jesus died this death for you and for me, that we might have forgiveness of sin - through His atonement. He broke no law, He committed no crime, He spoke to all who would listen and loved all mankind. Yet He was murdered for speaking truth. 

The Truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

John 18 “He Is The Truth”

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.” (vv.37-38)

In our text Jesus' answer to this question, "Are You a king then?" interested Pilate. He didn’t mind religious leaders among the Jews, even crazy ones, as long as they kept the peace and did not challenge the rule of Rome. A rival king though might change the status quo, and Pilate wanted to investigate this. 

In His response Jesus did not deny that He was a king. In fact He insisted that He was born a king, and to be a different kind of King - The King of Truth. 

Pilate’s cynical response, "What is truth?" showed he thought Jesus’ claim to be a King of Truth was foolish, and that there was no truth in the kind of spiritual kingdom Jesus represented. For Pilate, soldiers and armies were truth, Rome was truth, Caesar was truth, and political power was truth. So in Pilate’s reasoning, there was no room for spiritual truth, let alone a spiritual kingdom.

This exchange with Jesus was the closest Pilate would come to life’s greatest discovery. The Roman politician had asked the right question of the right Person, and his answer was standing before him. But instead of falling to his knees in repentance, confession, and faith, he could only pass off the answer by concluding, “I find no fault in Him.”

Sooner or later, all of us will find ourselves in Pilate’s position, where we must decide what to do with the Man who claims what no other can claim—that He is the truth. Millions of people down through the centuries have found Jesus’ life, His words, and His resurrection to be convincing evidence of His credibility. And they have concluded that knowing the truth must begin with a personal relationship with Christ.

Have you found the answer to life’s most important question? If not, consider Jesus’ statement in John 14:6.

The Truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

John 17 “A Prayer of Unity”

“I pray for these men. But I am also praying for all people that will believe in me because of the teaching of these men. Father, I pray that all people that believe in me can be one.” (v.20-21)

Here Jesus is not only praying for His disciples but, also for all those who would come to believe in Him through them. That includes you and me. He looked beyond this first generation of believers and saw those whom the gospel would reach around the world. His prayer for them and for us, is that we would be unified as one. That we would believe God sent Jesus to be the Savior of mankind. Not just to the Jews, but the gentiles as well.

Therefore brothers and sisters we are one in Christ and should be united together in our service to Him in whatever He has called us to do. Charlie Kirk was one who did just that. A true believer in unity, he saw beyond the educational dogma of those who wish to indoctrinate the young and offered them another view through open discussion. He presented to all those who were searching for truth, an answer. 

Though his life was taken in hate, his legacy of love lives in the hearts of those he touched. His life was spent loving others and seeking to bring unity to a greatly divided culture. RIP Charlie, and thank you for your enduring example of Christian love. 

The Truth: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

John 16 "He Has Overcome The World"

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (v.33)

Here, hours before His crucifixion, Jesus has been reminding His disciples of all His previous assurances; His promises of peace, of courage, and victory over all the evil power of this world. Why? that they may find peace. He also reminds them that in this world (controlled by satin) they will have trials and tribulations and will be hated for His sake - persecuted, afflicted and tormented. But, He adds, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus did not promise peace; He offered it. He said, “that you may have peace.” People may follow Jesus yet deny themselves this peace. We gain the peace Jesus offered by finding it in Him. We won’t find real peace anywhere else other than in Jesus. He made the way to peace with God - "Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1)

Jesus also said, "In the world you shall have tribulation." Peace is offered to us, but tribulation is promised. When we become Christians we may bring fewer problems upon ourselves, but we definitely still have them. Understanding this removes a false hope. Struggling Christians often hope for the day when they will laugh at temptation and there will be one effortless victory after another. We are promised struggle as long as we are in this world; yet there is peace in Jesus.

In His statement, Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world: Jesus proclaimed the truth of His victory. This was an amazing statement from a man about to be arrested, forsaken, rejected, mocked, tortured and executed. Why? Because neither Judas, the religious authorities, Pilate, the crowd, the soldiers or even death and the grave could not overcome Him. Instead, Jesus could truly say, “I have overcome the world.” If it was true then, it’s even truer now. Therefore, be of good cheer!

The Truth: “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:10-11) 

John 15 “I Am The Vine”

“I am the vine, you are the branches: He that stays in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” (v.5)

Simply put Jesus is saying as long as we stay connected to Him (the vine), we (the branches) will remain spiritually nourished and bear fruit. But, break that connection and we will begin to spiritually wither and die, and like a broken branch, we will not blossom - bear fruit.

Staying in Jesus means digging into His Word and filling our hearts and minds with His nourishing truth. This strengthens our inner man and prepares us to share with others (as the spirit leads), feeding them from the fruit we have developed by abiding in Christ.

However, break that connection and we will be as useless as a fig tree without figs, or a grape vine without grapes. We can do nothing for Him because our witness, our testimony, our walk, has become lifeless, withered and unfruitful.

The Truth: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)

John 14 "I Am The Way"

 “Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.” (v.6)

Here Jesus is saying He is the way to heaven and all those who wish to go there, must come through Him. By His sacrifice, He became the way of salvation itself and there is no other name under heaven by which one can enter in.

Jesus is also declaring Himself to be the truth, meaning truth itself. He is the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the savior, the true way to eternal life purchased through His obedience to death, even the death of the cross. Furthermore,  Jesus is life, both the principle source of life, and life in the future world. He is the author and giver of life; natural, spiritual, and eternal.

Finally, He is the only way of access to the Father. There is no coming to God on our own merit or without a mediator. Christ is the only mediator between God and man, and there is no coming to the Father but by Him.

The Truth: "I Am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) 

John 13 “Love One Another””

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (v.35)

Jesus spoke of love often during His ministry, encouraging all His followers to; "Love the Lord their God with all their heart, all their soul and all their mind" (Matthew 22:31), to "Love your neighbor as yourselves" (Matthew 22:39); and even to “Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44).

Now Jesus is giving His disciples a new commandment, to  "love one another." Therefore, in light of Jesus's teachings (which His disciples bore witness to), this seems like a very strange command. Why would He feel the need to say this? The first part of our text gives us the answer, "All will know that you are My disciples, IF you have love for one another."

Love is the ID card of the Christian. It is the outward sign to those around us that we identify with Him. The Apostle Paul describes this kind of brotherly love in first letter to the Corinthians, "Love like this suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

This is the type of love which allows us to have peace in the middle of the storms and trials of life. This kind of love binds us together and draws others to it. May your life be marked with His love for others.

The Truth
"For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." (1 John 3:11)

John 12 “Lazarus, A Living Testimony”

Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also because, on account of him, many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus." (vv.9-11) 

The chief priests were for the most part Sadducees (Acts 5:11). Their hostile attitude is shown in that, while no charge is brought against Lazarus, they took counsel on how they might kill him, and watched for their opportunity. Why? because his life was a living witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ, and a denial of their own doctrine that there is no resurrection (Acts 23:8). 

During this time many Jews were coming to Bethany, not only because Jesus was there, but to see the risen Lazarus as well. What a testimony he must have had. The truths he must have spoken giving honor and glory to God. As a result, Christ’s followers were increasing while the priests and Pharisees followers were decreasing. Therefore, they consulted to take the life of Lazarus and Jesus as well, to preserve their positions.

Today there are those who are consulting to kill the Gospel, trying to legislate God out of existence. But your changed life, your resurrected soul, can be a living witness to the power of the gospel. And like Lazarus, you can bring many to Christ by sharing your testimony of what God has done for you. 

The Truth: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16)

John 11 "Do You Believe?"

"Jesus said to her (Martha), I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Believe you this?” (v.25-26)

Here Jesus is once again speaking to Martha of the resurrection. But this time He states, “I Am the resurrection." Signifying He is able to raise men from death to life and that He could do it now. Literally telling her not to worry, your brother Lazarus will rise. 

Martha is so grief stricken she does not make the connection. She believes in the resurrection of believers “in the last day”(v.24), but, did not see it as a possibility this day. However, from the moment Jesus heard Lazarus was sick He knew, “It was not unto death, but for the glory of God. That the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (v.4), and men would acknowledge Him for who He is.

Today many are sick unto death, but there is a remedy for all who believe. Just as Lazarus’s was raised from physical death and was resurrected to glorify the Father and the Son, so all who believe in Jesus may be resurrected from spiritual death to glorify the Son and the Father. Fro He has concurred sin, death, hell, and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:55-56). 

Thanks be to God!  

The Truth: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.” (John 17:1)

John 10 "He Knows His Sheep"

 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” (vv.24-29)

Here we see a hostile ambush of Jesus as He simply walked into the temple. The sense is that the Jews encircled him, preventing His escape with a hostile purpose. The religious leaders (once again described as the Jews) refused to listen to or believe in Jesus. The problem wasn’t that Jesus was unclear about who He was and where He came from. The problem was that the religious leaders had hearts of unbelief that they wanted to discredit Jesus. Yet, the works Jesus did demonstrated that He was from God, and that He was true to His word. 

The religious leaders wanted Jesus to speak plainly, and here He spoke more plainly than they probably wanted. Jesus previously told them they were not true shepherds (John 10:5, 10:8, 10:10, 10:12-13). Now Jesus tells them they were not even true sheep, because the Messiah’s sheep believe and hear His voice. Meaning, His people, those who believe He is the Son of God, hear and obey His Word - and He knows them. 

In Jesus’s day many people that followed Him were not of Him. Not being true believers they wanted something from Him; healing, food, to witness one of His miracles. But those who truly believed He knows, and gives them eternal life (v.28).

Some people today are still looking for something from God. In times of trouble they check-in with Him, even make a request of Him pretending to know Him. Oh they might even go to church on occasion. But, according to our passage, He does not know them. Why? because they do not believe in Him (v.26)  and neither do they hear His voice (v.27). 

The Truth: “The Lord knows those who are His.” (2 Timothy 2:19)

John 9 “Who Sinned”

 “And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind.” (v.2)

When something unexplainable happens some people want to immediately blame God for the illness, misfortune, or tragic event that has occurred. When an illness like cancer strikes someone, some tend to think of it as a punishment from God for some secret sin. While it is true that all death can be traced back to man’s original sin, we should not reason that some sin must be the cause of sickness, misfortune, or tragedy in any individuals life. This is why our LORD replied, “Neither has this man nor his parents sinned (v.3), undercutting all pat answers to affliction.

Perhaps emotional illness, more than any other kind of suffering, is subject to shortsighted, judgmental responses. Most physical diseases are socially acceptable, but a stigma still hangs over most psychological disorders. 

In her book God's Remedy for Depression, Vivian Clark tells of a discussion on the topic, "Is Depression Sin for the Christian?" One person said, "Because it can't coexist with the fruit of the Spirit, which is joy, it must be a sin." Another added, "There is no reason for Christians to be depressed." Just then, a sad-faced woman slipped away from the group. For days she had been despondent and unable to gain victory. Those remarks added to her depression.

Some emotional problems may indeed be caused by wrong attitudes or secret sins. But all of us transgress, and yet not everyone breaks down. The causes of depression and mental illness are so varied and complex that we must not engage in simplistic solutions. To help someone, we shouldn't immediately ask, "Who sinned?" Rather, we should pray for those who suffer with this illness that they may receive His peace and that the glory of God may be revealed. 

True compassion invests everything necessary to heal the hurts of others.

The Truth
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5)

John 8 "The Slavery of Sin"

 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say unto you, everyone who commits sin, is the slave of it.” (v.34)

When we repeatedly give in to a particular sin, we become a slave to it. Slowly it begins to take over lives until most people feel powerless to break free from their habit. Guilt and shame begin to mount while ones self identify and confidence begins to fade. 

Once we start down the wrong path, turning back is difficult. Some of the most dangerous practices bring only temporary pleasure but a lifetime of pain and misery. Those who are willing to endure the pain for the temporary pleasure are addicted, hooked, enslaved. 

Freedom however, is found in becoming a slave of Jesus Christ. When we are in the grip of any evil practice that is ruining our life, we can simply acknowledge our sin and helplessness to the LORD, submit fully to Him, and be assured that He will forgive and deliver us.

The pleasures of sin are for a season, but its wages are for eternity.

The Truth: “Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.” (Romans 6:16)

John 7 “Living Water”

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (vv.37-39)

The Feast of Tabernacles lasted eight days. All through the first seven days water from the Pool of Siloam was carried in a golden pitcher and poured out at the altar to remind everyone of the water God miraculously provided for a thirsty Israel in the wilderness. It seems that on the eighth day there was no pouring of water – only prayers for water – to remind them that they came into the Promised Land.

What Jesus was about to say, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" was of great significance. For He boldly called the people to Himself to drink and satisfy their deepest thirst, their spiritual thirst. And sense there was no water being poured out on this eight day, Jesus was saying, "I have the water you’re looking for." This invitation was both broad and narrow. Broad because it said, if anyone. Meaning intelligence, race, class, nationality, or political party, did not limit it. Yet narrow because it said, if anyone thirsts. One must see their need. Thirst is not anything in itself; it is a lack of something. It is an emptiness, a crying need.

Jesus went on to explained what He meant by the metaphor of drinking. To come to Jesus and to drink (He who believes in Me) was essentially to put one’s faith into Him; to trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus for both time and eternity. For the one who does believe in Him, Jesus offered a perpetual river of living water out of His innermost being. Essentially Jesus said, “Put your loving trust in Me, enthrone Me in your heart, and life and abundance will flow out.” Though no specific passage of Scripture is quoted, this would in fact be a fulfillment of such prophecies as that of Zechariah that one day a fountain would be open to the house of David, and living waters would go out from Jerusalem (Zechariah 13:1, 14:8); and of Isaiah that God would pour water upon the thirsty (Isaiah 44:3, 55:1).

This outflowing life and abundance comes in and through the presence of the Spirit in the life of the believer. This speaks of an experience that belongs to those believing in Him. The nature of that experience may differ among believers, but there is some aspect of it that is promised to all who will receive it by faith. 

This outflowing life and abundance mentioned in our text could not come yet, because Jesus was not yet glorified – that is, glorified on the cross and through resurrection. This giving of the Holy Spirit for the people of God could not happen until Jesus completed His work at the cross and the empty tomb.

So there was a division among the people because of Him (v.43). During the days of His earthly work, Jesus divided people. People could not truly be of two opinions about Jesus, so some would be for Him while others would be against Him. The division didn’t come because Jesus spoke foolishly, or because He spoke on a theologically controversial topic. He spoke about Himself, the Messiah – and He spoke clearly, not in dark mysterious sayings, but truth. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

The division remains the same today, as well as the truth He spoke.

The Truth: “If you love Me, keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world can not accept Him because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:15-18)

John 6 “I Am The Bread Of Life”

And Jesus said unto them (the Jews), “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (v.35)

After Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, they were willing to follow Him wherever He went, and even proclaim Him as their king, their Messiah. Why? because of His miracles, because He could fill their stomachs, because He met their physical needs. In fact, the next day the people sought Him out (after He had left them) and found Him on the other side of the sea- not simply to be with Him, but to get something from Him, another meal. 

Jesus then called them on it by saying, "You seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled" (v.26). And, instead of telling them when and why He came, Jesus told them why they came – because they wanted more food miraculously provided by Jesus. They wanted the bread, but more than just the bread; they also wanted the display of the miraculous and a miracle king to lead them against their Roman oppressors.

 Following Jesus should never be about what He can do for us, never about what we might receive in return. As a true disciple we come to Him, believing in Him for who He is, “The bread of life.” His Word then sustains us; we never hunger, never thirst, never die, and will never be separated from Him consciously - unlike those who seek their own desires.

Finally He tells the crowd, "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures for everlasting life" (v.27). Jesus made this contrast between material things and spiritual things because He wanted to them labor for the food which endures for everlasting life. Yet their work was for the food which perishes – things that fill a stomach and rule and earthly kingdoms, not seeing the spiritual application. They were rightly impressed at the miracle of bread worked through Jesus; but He wanted them to be more impressed for the spiritual food He brings by a miracle.

He goes on to say later in the chapter, "I am the bread of life" (v.48). Jesus repeated and continued the use of this metaphor. As bread is necessary for physical life, so Jesus is necessary for spiritual and eternal life. The spiritual bread Jesus offers is even greater than the manna Israel ate in the wilderness. What they ate only gave them temporal life; what Jesus offers brings eternal life. C.S. Spurgeon put it this way, “Every man feeds on something or other. You see, one man getting his Sunday newspaper; how he will feed on that! Another goes to frivolous amusements, and he feeds on them. Another man feeds upon his business, and upon the thought of his many cares! But all is poor food; it is only ashes and husks. If you only knew Him who possess true spiritual life, you would know the deep necessity there is of feeding upon Christ.” 

The Truth: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

"They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them." (Isaiah 49:10) 

John 5 "Honor The Son"

"My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.” (vv.17-18) 

Here the Jews were ready to kill Jesus, not just for healing a man who had an infirmity thirty-eight years on the sabbath (v.5), but more for His claim that God was His Father (v.17). If untrue, His claim would be considered blasphemy and punishable by death (Lev.24:11, 16). However, if His claim is true, then there is no crime and He is who He claims to be. 

Here in chapter 5 John gives us a fourfold witness to Jesus’s claim of Sonship through the recording of Christ’s own words.

First, he records that John the Baptist bore witness of Jesus (vv.33-35). Upon seeing Jesus coming to be baptized of him John states, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John1:29) And later saying of Him, “I saw a Spirit descending from heaven, like a dove, and He remained upon Him” (v.32). And finally, “I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God (v.34). 

Second (and even greater witness than John), He sites Christ’s very works (v.36). Jesus had said to His detractors many times, “If you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know that the Father is in Me and I in Him.” (John 10:38). A Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus testified of Christ’s works saying, “We know you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs (works) that You do unless, God is with him” (John 3:2). 

Next we see in chapter 5 a reference to the Father Himself testifying of Jesus after His baptism by John the Baptist (v.37) where God said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) And again when Jesus was transfigured on a high mountain in front of Peter, James and John a voice came out of a “bright  cloud” saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him.” (Matthew 17:5) 

Finally John’s records the words of Jesus that speak of, “the scriptures themselves as testifying of Him” (v.39) and even Moses, their great Prophet, believed and wrote of Jesus (v.46).

So why didn’t these educated Jewish priests believe that Jesus was the Son of God? Why wouldn’t they accept Him and His claim to Sonship and receive everlasting life? The answer, I believe, is found in verse 42 where Jesus states; “I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.” 

So sad that those who called themselves "Holy men of God", who should have known the scriptures and validated His position through them, were blind to it. But their blindness (that would eventually lead to His death through their false accusations), lead to salvation for all that would honor Him and believe on His name. For Jesus is more than a "teacher" who came from God. He is the beloved Son of God.

The Truth

For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (2 Peter 1:17) 

John 4 “The Samaritan Woman

“Then Jesus declared (to the Samaritan Woman), "I, the one speaking to you - I Am He." (v.25)

In Jerusalem, and in the surrounding territory of Judea, Jesus began to feel a growing hostility from the Jews. The Jewish leaders were becoming threatened by Jesus popularity, and thus they were already beginning to think and make murderous plans against Jesus. So He left Judea and went back once more to Galilee (vv.1-3). The route He would take would be through Samaria. This was not the normal route the Jews took because of the animosity that existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. Therefore, His choice to go that way had a specific purpose.  

In verse 7 we are introduced to the Samaritan Woman who comes to draw water from the well where Jesus is resting in the middle of the day. In the story, Jesus knew that this woman was of the lower class of people since it was uncommon for a woman of higher class to come to draw water from a well at midday. Jesus, knowing all things, also knew that this woman was involved in a life deeply steeped in sin, for she was a harlot. The story that is about to unfold is a tremendous illustration of the mercy and grace of God.

When Jesus asks the woman for a drink, there is a much greater reference that He is making than just physical refreshment. He begins helping her to see her need for the refreshing that salvation brings by saying to her, "Drink of this water and you will thirst again." The refreshing Jesus is offering here can't be quenched by the physical. There is nothing in the material realm that can satisfy the Spiritual thirst. Implying here that only He can provide that.

This Samaritan woman was astonished that Jesus would even speak to her because the Jews would avoid any conversation with Samaritans. However through His conversation with her, Jesus reveals His knowledge of  her life, everything she ever did. To which woman replied, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet, and I know that Messiah called Christ is coming. And when He comes, He will explain everything to us." To which Jesus replied, "I the one speaking to you - I Am He." It is an amazing thing that to this Samaritan woman, Jesus reveals Himself to be the Messiah, yet to the people of Judea where Jesus had just come, He hid His identity. 

Scripture tells us that the Lord will reveal His will and nature to those who are looking and willing to do His will and to heed the words. This woman, and the Samaritans themselves, were much more willing to listen and heed His word - and thus to them He reveals more of Himself than He revealed to His own Jewish kinsmen. Proving one’s relationship with God doesn’t depend on ethnicity, but on belief in Him.

The Truth: "Truly, truly, I say unto yo you, whoever hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24)

John 3 “The New Birth”

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (vv.1-3)

Here in chapter 3 a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews came to Jesus at night in order to speak with Him (vv.1-2). Perhaps Nicodemus came by night because he was timid, or perhaps he wanted an uninterrupted interview with Jesus. Nevertheless, his conversation began with, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” In using the pronoun "we" it is difficult to know if Nicodemus spoke of himself, of the Sanhedrin, or of popular opinion. But one thing is sure, Nicodemus believe Jesus was "a teacher come from God" (v.2).

Jesus’ reply to Nicodemus shattered the Jewish assumption that their racial identity – their old birth – assured them a place in God’s Kingdom. Jesus made it plain that a man’s first birth does not assure him of the kingdom (v.3); only being born again gives this assurance. The ancient Greek word translated again (anothen) can be also translated “from above.” This is the sense in which John used this word in John 3:31 and in John 19:11 and 19:23. Either way, the meaning is essentially the same. To be born from above is to be born again.

Jesus clearly said that without this – that unless one is born again – he cannot enter or be part of the kingdom of God. Moral or religious reform isn’t enough. One must be born again. This isn’t something that we can do to ourselves. If Jesus had said, “Unless you are washed, you cannot see the kingdom of God” then we might think, “I can wash myself.” A man might wash himself; but he could never birth himself. 

Nicodemus then said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?" (v.4) Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (vv.5-8).

 Jesus was emphatic in saying that man does not need reformation, but a radical conversion by the Spirit of God. We must be born of water and the Spirit. Born of water I believe refers to our physical birth, since we come forth from a sack of water. This idea does make a good parallel with the idea of that which is born of the flesh (is flesh) in John 3:6. Born of the Spirit refers to a radical conversion by the Spirit of God. We must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. 

Scripture tells us that, "Man is dead in his trespasses and sin" and that the only way to Life is through the Son.

The Truth: "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God."(John 1:13)

John 2 “Jesus Knows The Heart”

“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man." (vv.23-25)

Here in out text many people believed in Jesus for what He could do, not for who He was. They were caught up in the many signs and miracles that He performed, but did not believe in their hearts that He was the Son of God. Therefore, seeing their hearts and knowing their motives He did not put His trust in them nor commit to them. He acted cautiously and prudently concerning them. 

Thus, there is a faith to which Christ will not unveil himself - will not give himself to. Conditional faith in the Name of Christ, produced by "signs," real or artificial, fictitious or sacramental, mystic, or miraculous, is not comparable to the faith in Christ Himself. Saying we believe that Christ existed, or that we believe in the signs and miracles He performed, is not true faith in Him and who He was.

As Jesus would later say to Nicodemus (who recognized that the signs He was performing meant God was with Him), "no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (John 3:3). In other words, believing in signs is not enough, you must believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God. So while you may be able to fool others by; playing church, living a moral life, or saying you are a Christian, you can't fool God. 

The Truth: "for the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b)

John 1 “Grace Through Jesus Christ”

“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (v.17)

Early in chapter 1 the apostle John records the start of Jesus’ life as an event that took place before the beginning of time (v.1). And that in Him, there was life; and the life was the light of men (v.4).  John then records there was a man, John the Baptist, sent from God to bear witness of this light (v.7). His ministry declared that He (Christ) was the true Light; the greater Light, and that He was God manifested in the flesh (v.14).

Here in our text, John tells us “the law” was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Meaning, the law pointed out the pollution of human nature, the guilt and punishment of sin. But it could not justify man (John 5:45). The Gospel however, in opposition to the law, is God’s grace and declaration of His love, and truth. Christ, the author of the Gospel, the fulfiller of the promises, and the giver of all grace, is superior to the law. Through Him (Jesus) everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the Law of Moses.” (Acts 13:39)

Grace and Truth, “the Gospel” given through Jesus Christ, Hallelujah!

The Truth: “Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the Law. For the Law merely brings awareness of sin.” (Romans 3:20) “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

Luke 24 “Hope Restored”

He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'" (Luke 24:6-7)

Luke 24 contains two themes throughout the chapter; 1) the fulfillment of Christ's teachings on His death, burial and resurrection and 2) the continued struggles His disciple had in seeing this truth as it was; predicted, unfolded, and completed before their every eyes.

After Jesus's death, His disciples were blinded by their grief, discouraged, lost, afraid, and did not see this event for what it was, the fulfillment of all that the prophets have spoken! They saw His death as the end of their Messiah and His kingdom here on earth, not reconciling it with what He had taught them. (Matthew 20:17-19)

It took the Lord Himself appearing to; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, to Peter, then the twelve collectively showing them His hands and His feet, eating with them and finally opening their understanding to the scriptures, before their blindness turned to joy and their hope restored. (v.45)  

Just as it took the infallible truth of the scriptures to open the eyes of those who walked with Jesus then, so it may be with our loved ones today as well. With so much evil in our world, we need to keep praying that our Lord will bring His truth into their lives and open their understanding to His love and grace.  

The Truth: Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.” (Matthew 20:17-19)

Luke 23 "The Two Thieves"

In Luke’s Gospel account of the crucifixion of Jesus, he records some of the conversation between the "two thieves" who were crucified along with Jesus. One blasphemes and mocks Jesus (Luke 23:39) while the other comes to believe in Him. (Luke 23:40)

Two thieves, aware of their crimes and their guilt and just as aware of His innocences. (Luke 23:41) Two thieves, in the same proximity of Jesus - at the same time - hearing and observing the same things - arrived at two different conclusions. One thief verbally rejects Jesus for what He would not do, give into Satan and save himself and them; the other thief comes to a belief in Jesus for what He did do, die willingly a sacrificial death for all who would believe. (Luke 23:42) These two thieves represent the struggle for mans heart and soul still today. One willing to believe while the other, denies Jesus right up to his last breath on the cross.

Luke goes on to record the salvation of the thief who believed at death’s door. “Lord remember me when you come into Your kingdom." To which Jesus responded, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in “Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43) Confirming there is life after death in Heaven (paradise) for all who believe. Which now begs the question, "What if I don't believe?" Well, just assuredly as there is a heaven, there is also a hell. (Matthew 13:42) And if all one has to do to go to heaven is believe in Jesus - then all one has to do to spend eternity in hell is not believe in Jesus. (John 3:36)

End your fear of death today and be ready to move on with peace in your heart. How? The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

The Truth: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) 

Luke 22 “Peter Restored”

 “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you return to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (v.31-32)

The strength of our faith can be judged by our ability to regroup after a defeat. Setbacks can cause us to either fall away or to return to our faith even stronger. They allow us to show our underlying commitment to Christ. Our Lord's words to Simon Peter suggest this. Jesus knew Peter was about to trip over his own self-confidence and zeal. He knew that Peter, who said he was willing to die for his Lord (v.33), would soon deny Him.

The beauty of Christ's re­sponse to Peter's denial was that He saw beyond it, to the disciple's repentance. He assured Peter that He had prayed his faith would not fail (v.32). In essence, Jesus was saying, "An attack is coming, I have prayed for you, although you will stumble, you will return to Me." This experience in Peter's life can encourage all of us. We have the advantage of Christ's work and prayers on our behalf, and this gives us the confidence that He Himself sustains us. We too can be useful again to Him, even after a hard fall.

A spiritual reversal should not cause us to give up. It's the "return" of our faith and His forgiveness that are all-important.

The Truth
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Luke 21 “The Signs Of His Return”

 There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and the expectation of those things which are coming upon the earth: for the powers of the heaven will be shaken. And they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your head; for your redemption is drawing close” (vv.25-28).

In our text, Jesus is giving us the signs of His return. Signs that will happen before His second coming. Then, at the end of the passage, declares when we see these things come to pass to “look up,” for our redemption (the rapture) is drawing near. If the rapture of the church is to precede His second coming (and I believe it does), then when we see these signs of the LORD’s return, we can know the rapture must be getting close.

The parable of the fig tree, given to us here in verses 29-33, is basically saying the same thing. When you see the tree begin to blossom you know summer is drawing near. Again we are being instructed to know the signs of His return, to be watchful and, “pray that we are accounted worthy to escape what is to come and stand before the Son of man” (v.36).

I for one do not want to be on earth when God’s wrath is poured out. I want to be standing before the Son of man, the Lamb who was slain, the One who is worthy to take the scroll and loose the seals, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, removed from His wrath.

The Truth: “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17)

Luke 20 “Jesus On Taxes”

 Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (v.22)

Once again the chief priests and scribes were looking to discredit Jesus. This time, they were trying to catch Him saying something against Roman law that they might turn Him over to the governor. Thus the question, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

The crafty spies (who were sent by the priests), pretended to be righteous, and hoping to seize Christ on His words marveled at His answer: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (v.25)

Many issues in our society today have become twisted to man’s desires; through political agendas, party politics, and what is viewed today as politically correct thinking. However, for us as Christians it is simple, man’s law should never supersede God’s law. 

Therefore, as Christ said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

The Truth
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

Luke 19 “Jesus Weeps For Jerusalem”

As He drew near, He saw the city (Jerusalem) and wept over it.” (v.41)

Our text tells us as Jesus drew near to the city of Jerusalem "He wept.” Why? Because the people did not know the scriptures well enough to understand the reason for His first coming (v.41-44), and those who did (scribes, chief priests, and Pharisees) sought to kill Him out of fear and jealousy.

The prophet Zechariah had described the 1st coming of Jesus over 500 years before it occurred writing, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9).

Zechariah correctly referred to Jesus as, "having salvation." Therefore, when Jesus did enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey as prophesied the people cried, "Hosanna!" or, literally, "Save now!" (Matthew 21:9). Why? Because they were hoping Jesus had come to save them from the Roman government and establish His kingdom on earth immediately - not to die on the cross for the sins of the world. Therefore, when He was eventually killed the Jews denied His claim as the Messiah, and are still blindly looking for their deliver today. 

They missed it (His first coming), and this is what moved Jesus to tears "because they did not know the time of their visitation” (v.44). I believe Jesus still weeps today when someone rejects His moment of visitation (salvation) to them. Why? Because His second coming will be much different, and when that happens, He will no longer be the one weeping. 

The Truth: "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10)

Luke 18 "Lord, Be Merciful To Me"

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ (vv.9-13) 

A story is told of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, who visited a prison and talked with each of the inmates. As the story goes, there were endless tales of innocence, of misunderstood motives, and of exploitation. Finally the king stopped at the cell of a convict who remained silent. “Well,” remarked Frederick, “I suppose you are an innocent victim too?” “No, sir, I’m not,” replied the man. “I’m guilty and deserve my punishment.” Turning to the warden, the king said, “Here, release this rascal before he corrupts all these fine innocent people in here!”

This is also true about salvation. As long as the sinner claims innocence and refuses to acknowledge his transgressions before the Lord, he does not receive the blessings of redemption. But when he pleads guilty and cries out, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner,” as the tax collector here in our passage, he is forgiven.

May we check our attitudes at the door of humility, that we may be exalted by the LORD and not abased (v.14). May we bow before the LORD in repentance, beating our chests, saying “be merciful to me, a sinner” and not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought” (vv.12-13).

The Truth: ""God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." (Proverbs 3:34)

Luke 17 "Dealing With A Sinning Brother"

Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves." (v.1-3)

It appears that Jesus was directing this warning at the religious leaders who taught their converts their own hypocritical ways. Human nature being what it is, there will always be occasions that can cause us to stumble. However, Jesus makes it plain that it is a serious thing to cause a fellow believer to stumble or to tempt them to sin.

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 8 to be sensitive to others, as our actions may inadvertently cause a weaker brother to stumble when we are taking our own liberty. He warns us to beware lest someone see our liberty and it becomes a stumbling block to them. Therefore, we should lovingly watch over each other, learn to understand each other's weaknesses and do all that we can to keep one another from stumbling into sin.

Jesus goes on to say in verse 4, if someone stumbles you, deal with it and forgive them. Meaning, when someone sins against you, you should not pretend that it never happened. You need to rebuke that brother or sister in love. Love is the rule here; we obviously can’t walk around keeping a record of every little offense committed against us. One aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is longsuffering (Galatians 5:22), and we need to be able to suffer long with the slights and petty offences that come our way in daily living. Ephesians 4:2 says that we should love with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. Don’t be too sensitive; bear with one another.

But in love, when we are sinned against in a significant way, we must follow Ephesians 4:15 as the pattern: we need to speak the truth in love. Love isn’t going to other people about it; love isn’t bottling it up inside of you. Love is getting it straight with the person who sinned against you. Then, if he/she repents, forgive him: This is the challenge from Jesus. There is no other option given. When the person who offended you repents, you must forgive them.

Now the question is, What do we do with the person who has never repented? Do we forgive them? Even if relationship cannot be restored because no common mind is arrived at, we can still choose to forgive them on our part, and wait for a work of God in their life for the restoration of relationship. 

Jesus went on to say, "And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, “I repent,” you shall forgive him." This indicates that we are not permitted to judge another’s repentance. If someone had sinned against me seven times in a day, and kept asking me to forgive them, I might think that they were not really sincere. Yet Jesus commands me to still forgive them and restore them.

Clearly Jesus commands us to forgive and not to hold grudges. This is not a simple task, and it may take time depending on the depth of the wound but, we must seek peace in our hearts and ask the Spirit to help us forgive. 

The Truth: Then Peter came to Him and said, ”LORD, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seventy times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you up to seventy times, but up to seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22)

Luke 16 “Life After Death”

“So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” (vv.22-23)

This parable of “Lazarus and the Rich Man” is a shockingly clear picture of life after death in Old Testament times. Before the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection those who died beliving in God were comforted, while those who did not believe in God were tormented.  After His resurrection all believers are, as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “absent from the body and . . . present with the Lord.” Jesus wanted those listening to His parable to understand the serious consequences of living life apart from God.

The rich man and the poor man (Lazarus) lived very different lives on earth, and even when they died, they no doubt received very different types of burials. But neither man was able to escape death, because that great equalizer is no respecter of persons. It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor, young or old, black or white, American, European, Asian, or African—death comes to all. It will happen to you and it will happen to me.

However, for those who have trusted in and surrendered to Jesus Christ, there is a wonder-filled promise of being instantly present with the Lord after our death. The only questions are, in what do you place your trust? And, would you bet your eternal life on it? 

The Truth:  When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And He will place the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Then He will say to those on His left, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. . . .  And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)

Luke 15 "Rejoicing In Heaven"

"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (vv.8-10)

Here in chapter 15, Jesus is demonstrating to the Pharisees (through three different parables) that it was not only right for Him to seek the lost, but their restoration pleased God. Seeking the lost, and restoring them to God was not only a major theme throughout the book of Luke, but of His (Jesus) ministry as well. What a contrast to the Pharisees' attitude of completely avoiding sinners, and caring little to nothing about their spiritual resotation.

In the parable here in our text of "finding a lost coin," the women when the coin was finally found, was naturally happy. In the same way, God is happy when sinners repent, in contrast to the religious leaders who complained when the tax collectors and sinners drew near to Jesus to hear Him. 

We don’t often think of God as rejoicing, but this passage tells us that, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Elsewhere in scripture we read, "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you (Isaiah 62:5). The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

May our hearts be aligned with our Lord’s in compassion and love for those who need Jesus. May we see that, “the harvest is truly plentiful” and never grow weary of sharing the good news, so that angles in heaven may rejoice.

The Truth: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Luke 14 "Take A Back Seat"

'When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place.” (vv.8-9)

Here in chapter 14 Jesus is teaching on Pride and Humility. While at the home of the Pharisee, Jesus noticed how people strategically placed themselves so as to be in the best places; that is, the places of most honor. In Jesus’ day, the seating arrangement at a dinner showed a definite order of prestige or honor. The most honored person sat in a particular seat, the next most honored person in another place, and so on down the line. 

So He told a parable concering a wedding feast, (which was the most important social occasion in Jewish life at that time) saying, "When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place." Why? Because if one takes the most honored place for himself, he may be asked to be removed if the host would rather have someone else sit there. Jesus reminded them of the shame that often comes with self-exaltation. When we allow others (especially God) to promote and lift us up, then we don’t have the same danger of being exposed as someone who exalted himself.

How then should we proceed? "When you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (vv.10-11) 

Jesus wasn’t merely teaching good manners, but a lifestyle that in lowliness of mind esteems others better than himself. (Philippians 2:3)

The Truth: "For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another." (Psalm 75:6-7)

Luke 13 “The Mustard Seed”

“What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.” (vv.18-19)

This simile,"As small as a grain of mustard seed" was well known in the Jewish world and a proverb among the people in those days. It was a common sight to see a mustard plant (raised from one of these minute grains) grow to the height of a fruit tree, putting forth branches on which birds build their nests.

It was with sorrowful irony that Jesus compared the kingdom of God in those days to this small grain. But, at that time, it was composed of Jesus and his few wavering followers. It seemed impossible that this little movement could ever stir the world, or could ever become a society of mighty dimensions.

However, it grew outwardly into a great tree in which we now see; the spread of the Gospel world wide and the growth of grace in the hearts of millions of believers everywhere. Yet the fulness of the gentiles has yet to come to harvest. Therefore, the tree continues to grow.

Jesus and His twelve disciples, over two thousand years ago,  planted the seed of the kingdom of God and despite great opposition to its truth down throughout the ages, the seed continues to grow today.

Luke 12 “Do Not Worry”

“Then He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.” (v.22)

This was a pretty radical statement to make in light of the time period in which it was spoken. Jesus was speaking to a people who were use to farming and fishing for their daily food. And when it came to clothing, they had to shear the sheep, spin the wool into thread, weave the thread into cloth, and then finally sew it together. Having clothes to wear wasn’t as simple as going to the local department store. So it was perhaps more significant to them (than it is to us) when Jesus said, “Do not worry” about what you’ll eat or wear.

Contentment is not the result of acquiring more, but of being thankful for what we already have. Authentic, genuine contentment, springs from a thankful heart. It is a choice we make, a choice to be thankful. Godly contentment is ours for the “thanking.” It happens when we lift up our voice to Father God, who is the Giver of all that is good, thanking Him for the blessings in our lives. Then instead of desiring more, our contentment grows.

Therefore do not worry be content, praise God for what you have, share your bounty with others, and watch Him bless your way.

The Truth: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

Luke 11 “Your Eye”

“Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.” (v.34)

What we choose to look at matters, but equally important is how we choose to look, or more specifically, the attitude of our heart behind the look. Although sin is often expressed through our actions, it is also rooted in attitude and thoughts of the heart. 

Because sin begins in the heart, a lustful look offends God as much as the actons that will eventually follow. Many people today hold the attitude that, “I can look, but I can not touch.” Not so. What we look at enters our minds, penetrates our soul, and creates a desire for more. This can also effect how we look at others. 

The prophet Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jer.17:9). The answer to that question is God. And the only way out from the dark pit of pornography lies in His forgiveness through Christ. He and He alone can trun your eyes from the darkness of sin, into the marvelous light of Christ. 

Living in these bodies of flesh, we will always struggle with their desires. But, with God’s help, we can learn to discipline them, by keeping our eyes, our thoughts, and our minds, on what is good and acceptable in His sight.

The Truth: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:16-17)

Luke 10 “The Good Samaritan”

“But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” (v.33-34)

The story of “The Good Samaritan” always blesses me whenever I read it. A Samaritan, a vowed enemy of the Jew, felt compelled to care for his fellow man and see to his provision until healed. 

We’ve all probably been on both sides of this story at one time or another, and in both situations we end up feeling blessed because of the love expressed. However, have you ever been the passer by? The one who kept going and did not stop to help? 

This passage also convicts me because I have passed by those in need; sometimes because I’m in a hurry, “Someone else will help them”, or I see them on a cell phone so, “Help is coming”, or “I’m not going to give that person any money, he’ll just spend it on booze.” 

While we can’t help everyone in every situation of need, I believe we can to be a good neighbor to those God puts directly into our path. It may come in the form of a hug or a shoulder, a ride or a car, a room or a home. You cannot touch your neighbor’s heart with anything less than your own. Therefore, as Jesus said to the young lawyer at the end of this story, “Go and do likewise.” Be that good Samaritan.

The Truth: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Luke 9 “Do Not Be Ashamed”

“Whoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (v.26)

What does it mean to be ashamed of Christ? It means denial, a fear of being identified with Jesus and His Word, fearing what others might think, say or do - ultimately, a refusal to accept Him as Lord.

The warning here is clear and not just limited to the unbelievers of Christ’s day, it extends to us as well. Clearly those who deny Jesus and His holy Word, Jesus will deny them before His Father in heaven and they will not escape the wrath that is to come upon His return.

Therefore, make your stand for Christ today while there is still time and be like Paul who said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation, to the Jew first and also the Greek." (Romans 1:16)

The Truth

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)